Tourism and coral reefs in Curacao

In collaboration with TUI Cruises, Futouris e.V., and local dive schools at Curacao, we get people interested in coral reef conservation via a joined outreach program.

The project has started in 2013. In the course of sustainable tourism ('low-impact tourism') an information and excursion program is offered to guests of the cruise ship 'Mein Schiff 2'. The overall topic is the importance and the conservation of coral reefs. The excursions are organized by local dive schools in collaboration with TUI Cruises and SECORE. Additionally the excursion has the 'green and fair' certificate. Info material and an exhibition can be seen on-board, whereas here you can learn more about corals and sustainable snorkeling and diving.

Curacao is a popular destination for cruise ships, due to its picturesque beaches, the Caribbean island atmosphere and the diverse underwater world. Still, coral reefs of Curacao are under many threats, unsustainable tourism is one of them.

In tropical regions―home of coral reefs―low-impact tourism offers an alternative income for local people, e.g. contrary to over-fishing, and thus reduces the pressure on natural resources. At the same time, sustainable tourism guarantees preservation of local flora and fauna. Only in this way the beauty of nature and the attractiveness of a holiday destination can be retained in long term.

Our program has two starting points. First, education of tourists on board of the cruise ship, and, second, guided land excursions. Both activities address the importance of coral reefs, their threats and the possibilities of their protection, as well as chances for sustainable tourism.

Contact person on board is the environmental officer of the ‘Mein Schiff 2’. Our program includes an awareness campaign for sustainable diving and snorkeling throughout the Caribbean.

Curacao is a South Caribbean island situated about 60 km off the Venezuelan coast. Geographically, it belongs to the Leeward Antilles that have a too flat topography to catch the rain brought by the northeast trade winds. Hence, Curacao features a dry, hot climate and the vegetation consists of drought-resistant cacti and thorn scrub, called Kunuku. Most people live at or around the capital Willemstad on the southwestern coast. Since 2010, the island is an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The official language is Dutch, but Papiamentu (a Creole language) is more commonly spoken and English is mostly understood.

Curacao is surrounded by extensive fringing reefs adding up to a total area of ~130 km². As settlements concentrate around Willemstad, large parts of the coast are fairly undeveloped. Thus corals reefs face fewer threats, such as polluted land-run off, compared to other regions in the Caribbean. Generally, coral reefs in the Caribbean have suffered from substantial community changes in the last decades and former reef-builders like elkhorn and staghorn corals have shrunken to alarming low numbers (Status of Caribbean Coral Reefs). Yet, some sites in Curacao still feature coral communities that are reminiscent of reef communities existing decades ago.

The main economic incomes of Curacao are tourism, oil refinery and financial services, as well as activities related to the port of Willemstad, such as shipping (also an embarkation point for cruise ships), international trade and the free trade zone. Tourists, mainly from the Netherlands—but also from the USA and other parts of Europe—enjoy the scenic sand beaches, nestled in palm trees. Recreational diving and snorkeling are popular water sport activities.